Theme: Healthy Social-Emotional Development

We will discover how we can impact children's lives by understanding and promoting their social and emotional development.

Keynote By Lara Kehle: ACEs - who wins?

NEW this year:

Earn 0.5 CEU (equivalent to 5 hours DCDEE credit) by signing up for Lara Kehle's in-depth workshop:
From ACEs to Resilient... the key is YOU

OR

Earn 5.0 hours DCDEE credit by attending the keynote and choosing two 2-hour workshops.

Grant Materials

Every child care professional participating will receive early childhood classroom materials funded by Smart Start.

Refreshments

Lunch will be on your own. Light breakfast and snacks will be provided.

Schedule of Events

8:30-8:45 Opening Remarks

8:45-9:45 Keynote Address

10:00-12:00 Session 1

12:00-1:00 Lunch Break (on your own)

1:00-3:00 Session 2

3:00-3:30 Closing

**Choose your workshops before proceeding to registration!**

CEU Track - Lara Kehle - From ACEs to Resilient... the key is YOU

This is a 4-hour workshop that will earn 0.5 CEU credits with keynote attendance. You must sign up for this workshop during Session 1 and Session 2.

Research has shown that people who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have an increased risk of social-emotional, physical, and mental health issues. Participants will recognize what Adverse Childhood Experiences are and how they may be found in their classrooms and in their own lives. They will learn to foster resilience in children and adults by building connection, teaching social skills, enhancing emotional literacy, practicing assertiveness, and using self-regulation skills.

Kris Lee - Social Emotional Milestones of Infants and Toddlers

First everything is “mine”, then children learn to take turns, and eventually they learn to share. For infants and toddlers this learning happens though relationships and includes developing a sense of self, a sense of self with others, and learning about feelings. All children need an emotionally secure environment that supports healthy development in this learning domain. This workshop examines social/emotional competencies as a vital component of school readiness. Participants will learn how a responsive caregiver can help the youngest of our children form secure attachments, learn to navigate feelings and emotions, and begin to develop self-regulation and social skills, the building blocks for future learning.

Erin Beck - Working with Wonky Co-Workers

Sometimes personalities are a match made in heaven and sometimes…not! Join us to learn how to foster positive staff relationships with everyone.

Ann Carter - Toxic Stress and its Impact on Children

Stress is a fact of life, no matter your age. Some stress is good for us- it keeps us attentive, sharp, productive, and learning. But toxic stress affects brain development and learning in young children, and can have long-lasting effects. This session will help participants define stress responses and understand the difference between “tolerable” and “toxic” stress. We’ll look at the long term effects of toxic stress and investigate practices for mitigating those effects and promoting resilience in young children.

Session 2 Workshop Choices – Choose One

CEU Track Part 2 - Lara Kehle - From ACEs to Resilient... the key is YOU

This is a 4-hour workshop that will earn 0.5 CEU credits with keynote attendance. You must sign up for this workshop during Session 1 and Session 2. Research has shown that people who experience Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have an increased risk of social-emotional, physical, and mental health issues. Participants will recognize what Adverse Childhood Experiences are and how they may be found in their classrooms and in their own lives. They will learn to foster resilience in children and adults by building connection, teaching social skills, enhancing emotional literacy, practicing assertiveness, and using self-regulation skills.

Erin Beck - Building Positive Relationships with ALL Children

Many teachers choose this profession because they just love children and with some children that is the case and with others not so much. Join us to gain more perspective and learn how to make some relationships more positive.

Kathie Guild - Puppets for Social Emotional Learning

Fostering social and emotional well-being is a key ingredient in improving conditions for learning in children. In this hands on workshop, learn how puppets can aid in the acquisition of key skills in the Emotional and Social Development and Cognitive Development domain. Participants will learn the basics of puppetry as well as how to use the puppets to promote, refine, and apply social emotional learning in young children. Participants will have the opportunity to actively engage with the puppets and develop a S.E.L. puppetry lesson.

Dr. David Tillman - Putting On Your Own Mask: Positive Work Environments for Staff as the Basis for Positive Learning Environments for Children

In this session, Dr. Tillman will discuss the data around occupational stress and health for childcare workers. After outlining the significance of the problem, the session will explore strategies for improving the workplace environments and identify the links between self-care, positive staff relationships, and the context for learning and social-emotional development.

Emily Behr - Mindful Movement & Yoga for Children

By incorporating mindful movement and yoga into your curriculum, you will equip children with the tools they need to calm themselves, deal with stress, and weave healthy choices into their everyday life. In this workshop we will discuss: why yoga and mindfulness is important for children’s metal health, yoga and mindfulness lesson plans for every age, yoga poses and games for children, and breathing and relaxation exercises for children.